Wondering how to hunt gators in Florida? You're not alone! According to the Florida Fish And Wildlife Conservation Commission, a Florida Alligator Hunt Permit is a type of limited entry permit required to participate in the Statewide Alligator Harvest Program, which (essentially) is akin to gator hunting season in Florida. The Statewide Alligator Hunt is a highly sought after limited entry hunt; there are often more than 15,000 applicants that will apply for approximately 7,000 permits each year.

A Florida hunting or fishing license is not required to participate in the statewide alligator hunt.

Requirements to Apply: Applicants must be 18 years old by August 15.

Applications and Permit Issuance: Applicants may submit one application per phase and receive up to one permit in Phase I, II, or III of the application process. Those successful in any one of the first three phases cannot apply for additional permits until Phase IV Leftovers. In the Phase IV Leftovers period, applicants can be awarded up to 10 permits cumulatively. Permits are issued by random drawing during Phase I, II, and III and issued on a first-come, first-served basis in Phase IV Leftovers.

Exemptions: Customers with a valid FWC Resident Disability License are exempt from the cost of an Alligator Trapping Agent License but must obtain the license at no cost to assist a permitted trapper on a hunt. Non-participating passengers in a boat with alligator trappers are not required to be licensed.

Groups: There are no group applications for Statewide Alligator Hunt permits. However, each permit allows the permit holder to have an unlimited number of properly licensed alligator trapping agents and alligator trapping license holders assist in the hunt.

Preference Points: There are no preference points for this permit type.

Transferability: Statewide Alligator Hunt permits are not transferable.

How to Apply: Applicants can apply online at THIS WEBSITE (sign on and choose “Apply for Limited Entry/Quota Permit”) or by completing the Application Worksheet and presenting it to any license agent or tax collector’s office. Each applicant may make up to 12 choices on an application in Phase I and II, up to five choices on an application in the Phase III, and one choice per application in Phase IV Leftovers. A valid credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover) must be included with each application and the card will be pre-authorized and charged automatically if the applicant is successful in the drawing.

Importance of Residency at Time of Application: Residency status is established at the time of application and will be used throughout the issuance process. If residency status changes the application must be cancelled and resubmitted with updated residency information (see How to Cancel or Change an Application below). Residents who do not hold a Florida driver’s license or identification card cannot use the online system to apply as a resident and must instead apply in-person at a license agent or tax collector’s office with alternate proof of residency.

Cancellations & Changes In Application: Applicants can opt to cancel a submitted application during the open application period for Phases I, II, and III. An application may be resubmitted to update residency status, application choices, and/or credit or debit card information. To cancel an application, a customer can log into their customer account at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, click “Cancel” next to the Statewide Alligator Hunt application under “Permit Applications” and enter their full social security number to verify the cancellation. Once an application is cancelled, a new one may be submitted.